US aims to cut Iran's revenue with new sanctions
Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- The United States announced new sanctions against Iran and its trading partners.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the measures as an 'economic D-Day.'
- The sanctions aim to cut off all revenue sources for Iran's Revolutionary Guard, targeting digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping.
The United States has announced a significant escalation of economic sanctions against Iran, targeting all countries that continue to conduct business with the Islamic Republic. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent characterized the sweeping measures as an "economic D-Day," signaling a determined effort to isolate Iran financially.
The primary objective of these new sanctions is to sever all potential revenue streams for Iran's Revolutionary Guard. Bessent indicated that the focus would be on critical sectors including digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and maritime shipping. While major trading partners like China, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey were not explicitly named, the sanctions are poised to impact these nations significantly.
These measures are considered a final warning to countries maintaining ties with Iran, threatening exclusion from the U.S. dollar system for any institution facilitating money laundering on behalf of Iran. The announcement comes nearly six months into the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Iran, with no visible diplomatic breakthroughs between the two nations. President Donald Trump's strategy to militarily subdue Iran appears to be faltering.
In addition to targeting trade, the U.S. Treasury has also imposed sanctions on nearly 60 entities, individuals, and vessels. Bessent further announced that a financial institution would be sanctioned by the end of the week. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy supplies, continues to contribute to high energy prices worldwide, adding another layer of economic consequence to the geopolitical tensions.
Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.